DietDiet According to Dosha
In Ayurveda, a balanced diet is tailored according to an individual’s unique dosha, or bodily constitution, which can be Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. Each dosha represents a different combination of the five natural elements-earth, water, fire, air, and ether-and has specific dietary needs to maintain harmony and optimal health. A Vata person, for example, is governed by air and ether, leading to qualities like lightness, dryness, and coldness. To balance these traits, a Vata-pacifying diet emphasizes warm, grounding, and nourishing foods such as whole grains, root vegetables, and healthy fats. In contrast, a Pitta constitution, ruled by fire and water, benefits from cooling, hydrating foods like cucumbers, leafy greens, and sweet fruits, helping to moderate the dosha’s natural heat and intensity.